Methods and Compositions for Articular Repair

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for producing articular repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. In particular, methods for providing articular repair systems. Also provided are articular surface repair systems designed to replace a selected area cartilage, for example, and surgical tools for repairing articular surfaces.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit for surgically repairing a joint of a patient comprising:
 a single use surgical tool having a surface that substantially conforms to a portion of an articular surface of the joint of the patient, wherein the surface of the single use surgical tool has a shape derived from electronic image data of the joint of the patient; and   an articular repair system custom made for the patient, wherein the articular repair system includes an implant,   wherein the single use surgical tool includes one or more guides that facilitate placement of the implant at a predetermined position or orientation.